Lark Voorhies shot to stardom in the late ’80s as Lisa Turtle on the hit sitcom Saved By The Bell, and has had continuous television and movie roles since the show ended in 1993. But in the last few years, her public appearances have been marred by odd interviews and questionable behavior, and rumors began circulating online in 2012 that she was suffering from a bipolar disorder. Now, after a turn on the red carpet for the film Where We Started, the rumor mill is starting back up again, and some are upset that the negative media attention for her appearance is downplaying the fact that there might be something seriously wrong with the beloved former child actress.
Voorhies’ appearance on the red carpet–with what several online news sources are calling “bizarre” makeup–has led to her supporters taking to Twitter to voice concern for her and the way she is being treated. While the actress denies suffering from any mental illness, her mother, Tricia, said in 2012 that she had been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and was dealing with things that had happened to her.
“There are things that have traumatized her,” said Tricia. “I care deeply about my daughter and I want her to resume her life.”
Around that same time, People Magazine said Voorhies gave them an odd interview in which she would often stop in mid-sentence to stare into space and mumble to people who weren’t there.
“I have a strong spiritual sense,” Voorhies said in response. “You caught me in moments of pray [sic].” So go ahead and pick a side. It shouldn’t be hard.”
Voorhies is all over Twitter today as some wonder “what happened” to the former ’90s star and others hope for her to be able to turn things around.
Lark Voorhies bizarre public appearance http://t.co/XzshnQt5D3
— Hollywood News Daily (@OMGNewsDaily) May 6, 2014
Y'all know Lark Voorhies has a mental illness right? I hope she gets help
— CraftBeer Killah (@MsMusiclover) May 6, 2014
Lisa Turtle, is that you?! Lark Voorhies steps out with an…unusual makeup malfunction: http://t.co/ZpNPIbLklO
— E! Online (@eonline) May 5, 2014
That's sad. RT @TiricoHairline Lil Kim Voorhies RT @LastNameTurner Yall haven't been praying for Lark Voorhies……. pic.twitter.com/yKnbLcNcvR
— Crook (@37CrookshankAve) May 5, 2014
Y'all need to leave Lark Voorhies ("Lisa Turtle") alone. It's obvious she has problems. We can only hope she gets better.
— court (@daziya) May 4, 2014
Image via Wikimedia Commons
